Draw your awareness within and set intentions for fostering a culture of love during shadow season. Shadow season is what we call the time of year that stretches between the Fall and Spring Equinoxes. This is the season that beckons us to draw inward to a space of contemplative reflection. It is a time of naturally ramping down the vibrant action of summer as we tune in to the more emotional depths of the self. In general, fall is a time of surrendering. Cycling away from the action of summer, we harvest and reap what we’ve sown in a blissful process of vital surrendering. Concurrently, shadow season appears as the holiday cycle ramps up. If you feel like you need some grounding support and perspective before the holidays are in full swing; this article is for you.
Shadows & Celebrations
Celebratory festivals and gatherings originally denoted deep respect for this tender time of year. Today, consumer culture washes the holidays in a more bustling type of vibe. Either way, the elemental undertones at play remain the same. At the onset, the temperatures outside start to drop and the process of withdrawing inward begins. We’re each called within ourselves for rest and reflective nourishment. As fall progresses, we shift slowly into the atmosphere of synergistic gathering. In tandem, we embark on the largest gathering holidays of the year. Before it begins, ask yourself: What do I need most right now? Where might I mindfully steer myself in slow, purposeful preparation for what lies ahead?
Fostering a Culture of Love
Mindfully working with our shadow selves requires a great deal of patience, perspective, and understanding. Cultivating a culture of love within and around you makes shadow exploration much easier. Remember, in order to manifest any want or need, we are called to cultivate our intention. What this means is that it’s not enough to say, “okay, I’m going to foster a culture of love” and leave it at that. Manifestation requires intention and action. Start to think, HOW can I develop a culture of love, especially in spaces where dysfunction exists? Understand that this entire process begins and ends with you. You can’t change some situations or other people’s mindsets, but you can change whatever you want about your response to and interaction with all of the following. You are that powerful.
The Mirror of Life and Relationships
Just as we’re pulled into the depths of self for processing, many of us also encounter increased face time with people whom we love dearly, but also push our buttons like no one else. Take comfort in knowing that life is a mirror of what exists within you. Relationships are mirrors as well. Break up with drama and nurture yourself at every turn. Focus instead on deep, nourishing connections. Even when it doesn’t seem like it, this is an opportunity for deep growth and healing. As we walk further into shadow season, it’s important to remember that within this space light will be drawn to many of the energies of being we may have been overlooking for a while. Always, take care of yourself first.
6 Love-fueled Areas of Interest
Before flights, road trips, and company become facets of your daily norm, let’s explore your inner culture of love and how to support your shadow as it unwraps, unwinds, and heals you. In any type of culture, be it microcosm or macrocosm, the rituals, and patterns of connection and communication play a large role in the health of any tribe, and its individual members. For now, let’s highlight self-talk:
Self-love
To be clear: if you aren’t taking care of yourself; self-love has already fallen to the wayside. First things first, let’s get that fundamental element back into alignment.
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- Popular Seasonal Thought: I have so much to do for everyone.
- ADD the Caveat: As soon as I make sure that I’m okay.
Family Love
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- Popular Seasonal Thought: Other people’s words leave a lasting impact.
- ADD the Caveat: For as long as I’m willing to allow it.
Human Connections
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- Popular Seasonal Thought: I feel so overwhelmed.
- ADD the Caveat: because I need something that I’m not currently getting.
Universal Love
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- Popular Seasonal Thought: It isn’t about me.
- ADD the Caveat: but I’m allowed to take care of me too.
Walk Your Talk
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- Popular Seasonal Thought: I just don’t have time right now.
- ADD the Caveat: Because because I am choosing to not make it a priority.
Maintain Your Boundaries
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- Popular Seasonal Thought: I have to do this, go there, and act a certain way.
- ADD the Caveat: Because I’ve convinced myself that I’m chained to this narrative.
Admittedly, these may not be the self-talk thoughts that you encounter. However, if you can notice what it IS that you’re thinking, you can learn to add your own caveats to help you investigate what it is that you really need. Observe your thought process and pull it around full-circle for self-care. Fostering a culture of love during shadow season is simple, and it begins with cultivating that love that exists within you, for you. From there, you naturally radiate love and compassion for others. In a deep, nourishing space of self-love, building a culture of love around you is a natural extension.
Be well.